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| sex and love in intimate relationships: Sex and Love in Intimate Relationships Robert Firestone, Lisa A. Firestone, Joyce Catlett, 2006 In clear language and conceptualization and through the liberal use of case material from therapy sessions, the authors show how individuals can be helped to overcome these challenges and become physically and emotionally closer to their partners.--BOOK JACKET. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Great Myths of Intimate Relationships Matthew D. Johnson, 2016-05-31 Great Myths of Intimate Relationships provides a captivating, pithy introduction to the subject that challenges and demystifies the many fabrications and stereotypes surrounding relationships, attraction, sex, love, internet dating, and heartbreak. The book thoroughly interrogates the current research on topics such as attraction, sex, love, internet dating, and heartbreak Takes an argument driven approach to the study of intimate relationships, encouraging critical engagement with the subject Part of The Great Myths series, it's written in a style that is compelling and succinct, making it ideal for general readers and undergraduates |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: The Science of Intimate Relationships Garth J. O. Fletcher, Jeffry A. Simpson, Lorne Campbell, Nickola C. Overall, 2012-12-06 The Science of Intimate Relationships represents the first interdisciplinary approach to the latest scientific findings relating to human sexual relationships. Offers an unusual degree of integration across topics, which include intimate relationships in terms of both mind and body; bonding from infancy to adulthood; selecting mates; love; communication and interaction; sex; passion; relationship dissolution; and more Summarizes the links among human nature, culture, and intimate relationships Presents and integrates the latest findings in the fields of social psychology, evolutionary psychology, human sexuality, neuroscience and biology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and clinical psychology. Authored by four leading experts in the field Instructor materials are available at www.wiley.com/go/fletcher |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Sex, Love and the Dangers of Intimacy Helena Lovendale, Nick Duffell, 2002 Case studies offer insight into how to make relationships work. Each chapter contains such exercises as breathing exercises, making a timeline of the relationship, and thoughts to ponder. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Everything You Know About Love and Sex Is Wrong Pepper Schwartz, 2001-10-01 From the media to our mothers, others have taught us certain rules about intimacy and love. But what if these rules are wrong? Or even harmful? Sociologist and relationship expert Pepper Schwartz questions these assumptions, challenges our values, and breaks rules. She offers fresh alternatives and solutions that fit our needs as individuals—and shows that by letting go of traditional rules that don't suit us, we can achieve complete satisfaction in our intimate lives. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: The Psychology of Love and Hate in Intimate Relationships Katherine Aumer, 2016-06-23 Social psychology has made great advancements in understanding how our romantic relationships function and to some extent, dissolve. However, the social and behavioral sciences in much of western scholarship often focus exclusively on the more positive aspects of intimate relationships--and less so on more controversial or unconventional aspects. The goal of this volume is to explore and illuminate some of these underrepresented aspects: aspects such as non-monogamy, female orgasm, sadism, and hate, that often function alongside love in intimate relationships. Ultimately, by looking at intimate relationships in this way, the volume contributes to and advocates for a more holistic and comprehensive view of intimate relationships. Throughout the volume, contributors from social, clinical, and evolutionary psychology cover love and hate from a variety of (sometimes opposing) perspectives. The first section, covers love and the changing landscape of intimate relationships. Its chapters review the current literature and research of understudied topics like non-monogamy, female orgasm, sexual fantasies, and the viewpoint of love as something other than positive. The second section explores hate and how hate can operate in intimate relationships--for example, the appearance of sadistic behavior and debates the nature of hate as either a motivation or emotion. The volume concludes, by looking at ways in which the appearance of hate in relationships can be dealt with and overcome successfully. Taken together, these two sections reflect the full variety of experiences within intimate relationships. With the aim of exploring how love and hate can-and frequently do-work together, The Psychology of Love and Hate in Intimate Relationships is a fascinating psychological exploration of intimate relationships in modern times. It is an invaluable resource to academics and students specializing in psychology, gender, and sociology, including clinicians and therapists, and all those interested in increasing our knowledge of intimate relationships. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Sex, Love, and Fidelity: A Study of Contemporary Romantic Relationships Kassia Wosick, 2012-12-28 Romantic relationships hold enormous significance within contemporary society, and monogamous marriage continues to serve as the “master template,” informing the structure, personal and legal parameters of intimacy. Although social changes have indeed impacted traditional notions of marriage and coupledom, monogamy continues to serve as the ultimate embodiment of commitment, love, and devotion to one’s partner and operates as the fundamental framework of sexual and emotional exclusivity. Relationship rules serve as a key indicator of what individuals expect and value within their intimate lives. For example, the rules of marriage (and therefore monogamy) emphasize loyalty, exclusivity, and faithfulness between two partners, which is generally operationalized as fidelity. Further, rule violations are often characterized as “infidelity,” and represent a breach to the commitment established between partners. The rules of monogamy, as well as the consequences for violating them, have been normalized and institutionalized in both paradigm and practice; American culture is decidedly mononormative, and fidelity is central to monogamous relationships. While the master monogamous template continues to be institutionally and individually reinforced, some actively choose to “break the rules” of monogamy in favor of multiple sexual and/or romantic relations. Consensual nonmonogamists, in contexts like open relationships, swinging, and polyamory, challenge the master monogamous template through not only engaging with multiple sexual and/or romantic partners, but also being consensual and usually overt about them. If monogamists have rules about other partners that ensure fidelity, do nonmonogamists have rules? If so, what are they, and what purpose do they serve in a relationship structure that has already broken the cardinal rule of exclusivity? Is commitment important in nonmonogamous relationships, and does fidelity exist between partners who are having sex with and/or falling in love with other partners? This study draws on over 2,000 surveys and 70 in-depth interviews with monogamists, nonmonogamists, and polyamorists to examine the meaning, significance, and practice of fidelity within their intimate relationships. Results indicate that fidelity exists in some variation in all relationship types. The book presents a “Fidelity Typology” based on differentiations between sexual and emotional exclusivity, as well as whether behavior aligns with ideology. The author argues that while exclusivity may not be a necessity in today’s romantic relationships, “feeling special” is key regardless of whether a relationship is monogamous, nonmonogamous, or polyamorous. However, how an individual experiences and ensures specialness is tempered by definitions of love and sex, differentiating between sexual and emotional exclusivity, and engaging individual agency in creating rules between partners. The book highlights that gender and sexual orientation are most salient in conceptualizations of monogamy, sex, and love, rates of nonmonogamy, and even relationship agreements and rules. The author offers a nuanced framework for understanding commitment in today’s romantic relationships, invoking a more agentic approach to achieving specialness called “personal fidelity.” The author argues that while personal fidelity is ultimately socially informed through the master template, it is also largely based on one’s sexual and emotional self-awareness, accountability, and perceived responsibility to other partner(s). Personal fidelity may well be the catalyst for ensuring specialness between partners and preserving the significance of one’s intimate relationship(s). This is an important book for sexualities studies, as well as scholars and students interested in gender, family and intimate relationships. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: The Phenomenology of Sex, Love, and Intimacy Susi Ferrarello, 2019-01-24 The Phenomenology of Sex, Love, and Intimacy presents a phenomenological exploration of love as it manifests itself through sexual desires and intimate relationships. Setting up a unique dialogue between psychology and philosophy, Susi Ferrarello offers a perspective through which clinicians can inform their practice on diverse issues of human sexuality. Drawing on Husserl’s phenomenology, Ferrarello’s analysis of love spans a range of disciplines including psychology, theology, biology, epistemology, and axiology, as well as areas related to gender, consent, and political control. Combining Husserlian perspectives on ethics with a focus on lived-experience, this text will deepen therapists’ understanding of love as the subject of interdisciplinary inquiry and enable them to locate questions of sexuality and intimacy within an academic framework. With key theoretical principles included to allow clinicians to think through and clarify their practice, this book will be a valuable tool for sex therapists, marriage and family therapists, and counselors, as well as psychology and philosophy students alike. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Sex Purpose Love Martin Ucik, 2021-02-09 Many scientific studies and spiritual teachings suggest that being in a healthy lifelong love relationship, raising conscious children, and living on purpose are fundamental both for our own long-term well-being as well as for that of future generations, so that we and they can flourish in all respects materially, physically, sexually, mentally, psychologically, and spiritually.Yet in today s modern and postmodern societies, an increasing number of people are not in such relationships, don t have children, and pursue an individualistic hedonistic lifestyle. Sadly, this individualism has been contributing to the ongoing socioeconomic and environmental problems that humanity is creating, rather than being part of their solution.The sexual selection process has gone completely out of whack, more people live alone, most couples procreate way below sustainable rates. As a consequence, we may become the next endangered species if we don t change our way of relating with each other and the world. What happened? Many people moved from we to me, or loving themselves more than others, lost touch with what their life s purpose is beyond enjoying life to the fullest, and didn t acquire the relationship skills to master the complexities of love in the twenty-first century.While our personal relationships and global challenges are constantly increasing in complexity, more people are looking for easy answers to address these problems. This simplistic approach is obviously not working.On the other hand, most of the complex meta-models that are offered to solve the wicked problems that humanity is facing are rarely effective either, as they require a Ph.D.-level grasp of philosophical and scientific subtleties just to be understood. Ironically, these complex perspectives routinely overlook the basic fact that integrating the fundamental human dimensions of sex, purpose, love, and sustainable procreation is an essential prerequisite for creating the eudaimonic world that the creators of these models envision.It is the purpose of this book to remedy these two problems by, on the one hand, providing a practical road map or model (the Integral Love Relationship model) that is simple enough to be fully grasped and put into action by singles and couples of all walks of life and educational levels, and on the other, by presenting a vision that is comprehensive enough to effectively address the relational and global challenges that humanity is facing in the twenty-first century.Without such a model, we cannot even see what kind of love relationships are possible and necessary for our own well-being, and for the creation of a peaceful and sustainable world in which current and future generations can flourish.My intention is to inspire singles and couples to realize their full healing and growth potentials to co-create the kind of love relationships that are not only personally satisfying, but that also radiate their love outward in growing concentric rings to embrace all of humanity.In the four parts of this book, you find a practical application of Ken Wilber s acclaimed Integral theory of human growth and potentials to (1) co-creating a fulfilling sexual relationship, (2) sharing your deepest purpose with your partner, (3) deeply loving your partner and what is uniquely co-created between the two of you at all levels of your being, and (4) understanding why co-creation and procreation in Integral love relationships matter in the grand scheme of things. Or, in short, it is a book about sex, purpose, love, and creating a better world. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: The Seven Levels of Intimacy Matthew Kelly, 2005-11 We All Crave An Authentic Experience Of Intimacy. Though our hearts crave intimacy, though our minds understand our deep need for it, the self-revelation it requires is often too daunting a task. Complete and unrestrained sharing of self exposes the deepest human fear of being rejected for being ourselves. InThe Seven Levels of Intimacy,Matthew Kelly both acknowledges and calms our fears, while teaching us how to move beyond them to experience the power of true intimacy.Matthew reveals that each relationship is built upon a pattern of interaction. In the beginning stages, we rely on casual interactions, gaining familiarity by focusing on superficialities and facts. We grow closer and begin to share our opinions, learning to accept each other and embrace the growing relationship despite the difference in our experiences and viewpoints. Once our differences and opinions are shared and accepted, we feel safe enough to reveal our hopes, dreams, and feelings, developing trust. With this trust, we open ourselves and are able to share our legitimate needs, becoming liberated from carrying the burden of our real needs alone. At last, we are deeply intimate and both willing and able to reveal our deepest fears. We are beyond judgment and feel trust and acceptance. By moving through and building upon each level of intimacy, we find comfort and gain trust in our partners and ourselves until, by developing and deepening our intimacy within each level, we are able to fully open ourselves, finally opening to the possibility of truly being loved. It is through mastering the seven levels of intimacy that we will break through to fully experiencing love, commitment, trust, and happiness.The Seven Levels of Intimacyis a brilliant and practical guide to creating and sustaining intimacy, whether you are looking for a deeper sense of connection with your spouse, looking for more fulfillment in your relationship with your boyfriend or girlfriend, trying to improve your relationships with your children, or simply wondering what you should be looking for in a partner.With profound insight and the use of powerful, everyday examples, Matthew Kelly explains how we can nurture the intimacy in our relationships.The Seven Levels of Intimacyredefines how we view our interactions with others. This new understanding leads us to successfully create the strong connections, deep joy, and lasting bonds that we all long for. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Love and Intimate Relationships Norman M. Brown, Ellen S. Amatea, 2013-06-17 Using a style that draws students into the ongoing inquiry into how intimate relationships work, Love and IntimateRelationships investigates the life cycle of relationships influences that affect them, theories behind them, and ways to improve them. Dozens of stories from students themselves, case examples and over 150 tables, figure, and the cartoons of Don Edwing of Mad Magazine help bring the material alive. The book is also unique in exploring aspects of human relationships not covered in other textbooks on the subject. Loveand Intimate Relationships helps bring the complex issues surrounding intimate relationships into focus for students from diverse backgrounds. The multidisciplinary perspective of the textbook makes it ideal for introductory courses in psychology, marriage counseling, human relations, and sexuality, and interpersonal relationships |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Sexual Morality John Piderit, 2011-11-03 Informal customs are the casual norms for most young adults in matters of sexual intimacy. Unfortunately, the sexual revolution has not proven to be as beneficial to women as was once thought and young men enjoy themselves without preparing themselves to be husbands and fathers. In this book, Piderit argues that a natural law approach to morality provides a grounded pathway toward marriage, and shows why these fairly traditional practices help young people find a partner to whom he or she can realistically promise love until death do us part. Any effective culture consists of practices, which are accompanied by narratives, norms, and benefits. By offering theory but focusing on practices, this book helps young adults understand why sexual intimacy should be reserved to marriage. The first two thirds of the book develop the natural law approach; seeking common ground early in the volume makes it possible to understand a Christian approach to morality as grounded in nature, not primarily in religion. The goal is to highlight the reasonableness of this approach. The final third (Part III) of the book explores what religious practice and membership in a Christian denomination adds to the natural law approach. In addition to a morality based on natural law, Piderit also proposes a morality based on virtue ethics, which give precedence to positive goals over forbidden actions. The focus is on individual actions, explaining why any individual action falls into the category of exemplary, acceptable, or corrosive; these are terms developed, explained, and used in the book. Individual actions, of course, get repeated over time, and this leads to the formation of habits. And the reason for bracketing the formation of habits is to focus on individual actions and in this way make clear to young readers why certain actions lead to human fulfillment and why others actions undermine that fulfillment. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Love Sense Dr. Sue Johnson, 2013-12-31 The bestselling author of Hold Me Tight presents a revolutionary new understanding of why and how we love, based on cutting-edge research. Every day, we hear of relationships failing and questions of whether humans are meant to be monogamous. Love Sense presents new scientific evidence that tells us that humans are meant to mate for life. Dr. Johnson explains that romantic love is an attachment bond, just like that between mother and child, and shows us how to develop our love sense -- our ability to develop long-lasting relationships. Love is not the least bit illogical or random, but actually an ordered and wise recipe for survival. Love Sense covers the three stages of a relationship and how to best weather them; the intelligence of emotions and the logic of love; the physical and psychological benefits of secure love; and much more. Based on groundbreaking research, Love Sense will change the way we think about love. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Intimate Relationships across Cultures Charles T. Hill, 2019-06-20 A ground breaking study of the ways that intimate relationships are similar around the world, and the ways they are different. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Sexual Intimacy for Women Glenda Corwin, 2010-05-25 A guide for lesbian couples to improve their levels of intimacy, providing exercises and anecdotes, covering common issues women in same-sex couples have, and discussing the intricacies of female desire. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Intimate Relationships Sharon S. Brehm, 1985 This book is intended to serve as a comprehensive introductory text ... This text should be appropriate for undergraduate students from the sophomore level on. p. x. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Romantic Relationships in a Time of ‘Cold Intimacies’ Julia Carter, Lorena Arocha, 2019-10-31 This book addresses the nature of intimacy and relationships in a time of what Eva Illouz characterizes as ‘cold intimacies’. The contributors to this collection highlight the ambivalence and tensions contained in ‘intimacy’ by uncovering a nuanced and complex dynamic, in which interpersonal relations and the public sphere are mutually constituted. A range of topics areexplored, including the new conditions of ‘choice’, the abundance of partners, class and emotional competence, rational decision-making and the specific forms of ‘love pain’ which can emerge from cooled intimacy. The chapters also shed light on the limits of this theoretical contribution, highlighting the importance of parenting, violence, poverty, and other material constraints that continue to limit and frame individuals’ romantic choices. Overall this volume presents an interpretation of intimacy that is not just ‘cold’ but includes practices, desires and feelings that are safe and dangerous, that bring solace or erupt in violence, that lead to salvation or condemnation, and where virtual encounters and increased internal and crossborder mobility have altered the relationship between intimacy and (physical/emotional) distance. Romantic Relationships in a Time of ‘Cold Intimacies’ will be of interest to scholars and students across a range of disciplines, including sociology, social work, social policy and demography, as well as practitioners and policy-makers with an interest in couple relationships. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: The Highly Sensitive Person in Love Elaine Aron, 2001 The author has taken a closer look at how inborn temperament affects intimacy ... offers practical help for highly sensitive people seeking happier, healthier romantic relationships. Every aspect ... is covered, from low-stress fighting to sensitive sexuality. Included are self-tests and case studies--and the results from the first survey ever done on sex and temperament. With wonderful advice on making the most of all personality combinations in relationships, Aron offers a wealth of insights for non-highly sensitive people as well.--Publisher description. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Radical Intimacy Zoë Kors, 2022-04-12 A narrative guide and practical methodology for nurturing and sustaining our relationships with ourselves, others, and the world. “With intimacy as the foundational principle of our existence, we can build a life based on what we truly need, not what we think we need or have been told we need. By embracing the practice of radical intimacy, I can confidently promise my readers a personal revolution of self-acceptance, appreciation, vitality, and confidence. And without fail, mind-blowing, soul-stirring, earth-shattering sex follows.”—Zoë Kors Part practical guide, part client stories, part personal narrative, Zoë Kors draws on her experience as a sex and intimacy coach, thought leader, and relationship writer in sharing her powerful and practical methodology for nurturing and sustaining our intimate relationships over time. She addresses the essential truth that is almost universally missed in discussions of sex and intimacy: We can meet each other only to the extent that we can meet ourselves. Kors guides the reader on a five‑part journey through nine areas of opportunity for deepening intimacy with themselves, their partner, and their world, inviting them to embrace emotional, physical, and energetic self‑mastery, which is required to skillfully relate with others. At the conclusion of each part, there are a collection of experiential exercises which support the reader in embodying the concepts they’ve just read. Voice-driven, accessible, and with the right amount of tough love, Radical Intimacy takes the mystery out of human connection. From academia and science to mysticism and self-development, Kors delivers a rich and varied understanding of human sexuality and intimacy through the lens of the body, brain, heart, spirit, and culture. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Intimacy Between Men John H. Driggs, Stephen E. Finn, 1991-11-28 A wonderful and wise book that has been needed for a long time.—Patrick J. Carnes. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: The Art of Intimate Marriage Tim and Dr. Jennifer Konzen, 2019-01-08 From a two-time nationally award winning sexuality researcher - The Art of Intimate Marriage. God's plan for sexual intimacy in marriage is the work of a Master artist and genuine intimacy is like a beautiful masterpiece. Your marriage is going well but you want to make your sex life better and you’re looking for help on how to do that. You want to know what God has to say about how to build a fulfilling sexual intimacy in your marriage. Your sexual relationship has been full of pain, discouragement, and frustration and you need some answers. You have some medical issues that are making sex difficult and you would like to rekindle experiencing mutually pleasurable sex. For these issues and more, The Art of Intimate Marriage provides direction and guidance on how to get there. Creating that masterpiece may mean learning God’s view of sex, gaining life-giving intimacy skills, and figuring out how to work through conflict in a way that creates deeper connection. It may also mean overcoming things in your background, healing things in your marriage, or dealing with those medical challenges. We have the opportunity to have a deeper understanding of God’s loving heart through being deeply known and erotically bonded with our spouse. The Art of Intimate Marriage gives us a road map to experience growth toward a more rewarding, spiritual sexual relationship. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Is It Love Or Is It Addiction? Brenda Schaeffer, 1995-04 Offers advice & a practical guide to making relationships work |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Intimacies William R. Jankowiak, 2008 Examines how different cultures rationalize the expression of passionate and comfort love and physical sex. --From publisher description. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Make Love Better Jan Dworkin, 2019-11 Make Love Better is part self-help, part memoir, part instruction manual--a psychologically savvy self-improvement guide, to help couples understand themselves and navigate complex and intersectional relationship issues. Using stories from her own checkered and colorful relationship life and over 25 years of international, cross-cultural experience as a couples therapist and relationship coach, Jan Dworkin, PhD, lays bare her missteps, cringes, and triumphs both in and out of the bedroom with honesty, humor and depth. Loaded with examples, exercises, practical tools, and hard-earned wisdom, she guides readers to develop expertise and build their very own relationship practice.--Publisher |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Positive Approaches to Optimal Relationship Development C. Raymond Knee, Harry T. Reis, 2016-04-08 How can we get the most out of our close relationships? Research in the area of personal relationships continues to grow, but most prior work has emphasized how to overcome negative aspects. This volume demonstrates that a good relationship is more than simply the absence of a bad relationship, and that establishing and maintaining optimal relationships entails enacting a set of processes that are distinct from merely avoiding negative or harmful behaviors. Drawing on recent relationship science to explore issues such as intimacy, attachment, passion, sacrifice, and compassionate goals, the essays in this volume emphasize the positive features that allow relationships to flourish. In doing so, they integrate several theoretical perspectives, concepts, and mechanisms that produce optimal relationships. The volume also includes a section on intensive and abbreviated interventions that have been empirically validated to be effective in promoting the positive features of close relationships. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: The New Science of Intimate Relationships Garth J. O. Fletcher, 2008-04-15 Written by one of the world's leading authorities on close relationships, this accessible study is one of the first to look seriously at what science can tell us about love, sex and friendship. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Sexuality in Close Relationships Kathleen McKinney, Susan Sprecher, 2014-05-22 This is one of the first volumes to examine the interface between research undertaken in sexuality and that in close relationships from a social psychological perspective. Experts from several different disciplines offer chapters that contain theory, extant literature, and their own original research on such topics as jealousy, extradyadic sexuality, communication, love, and sexual coercion. Aimed at a fairly wide audience, this book will be of interest to students, faculty, and other professionals in social psychology, sociology, communication, and family and women's studies. It is also a valuable source of information for teachers, researchers, and clinicians working in the areas of human sexuality and/or close relationships. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Intimacy and Desire Dr David Schnarch, 2009-10-21 In this groundbreaking book, Dr David Schnarch, one of the foremost experts on sexuality and relationships, explains why normal healthy couples in long-term relationships have sexual-desire problems, regardless of how much they love each other or how well they communicate. In-depth examples of couples he has counselled reveal his unique understanding of common but difficult sexual-desire problems that affect couples of all ages. Combining compassion and clinical wisdom, Dr Schnarch explains how to use his revolutionary Four Points of Balance approach to resolve low desire, mismatched desire, sexual boredom, and the emotional gridlock that accompanies these problems. Intimacy & Desire provides a roadmap for how couples can transform common sexual-desire problems into self-exploration and personal development that leads to psychological and spiritual growth, stronger relationships, and more powerful and meaningful desire for each other. It provides time-proven, comprehensive solutions that help couples reconnect with each other sexually, and take their intimacy and passion to new, previously unexplored heights. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Loving Bravely Alexandra H. Solomon, 2017-02-02 As seen on The TODAY Show! “A godsend to anyone searching for, but struggling to find, true love in their lives.” —Kristin Neff, PhD, author of Self-Compassion Empowering and compassionate, and its lessons are universal. —Publishers Weekly Real love starts with you. In order to attract a life partner and build a healthy intimate relationship, you must first become a good partner to yourself. This book offers twenty invaluable lessons that will help you explore and commit to your own emotional and psychological well-being so you can be ready, resilient, and confident in love. Many of us enter into romantic relationships full of expectation and hope, only to be sorely disappointed by the realization that the partner we’ve selected is a flawed human being with their own neuroses, history, and desires. Most relationships end because one or both people haven’t done the internal work necessary to develop self-awareness and take responsibility for their own experiences. We’ve all heard “You can’t love anyone unless you love yourself,” but amid life’s distractions and the myth of perfect, romantic love, how exactly do you do that? In Loving Bravely, psychologist, professor and relationship expert Alexandra H. Solomon introduces the idea of relational self-awareness, encouraging you to explore your personal history to gain an understanding of your own relational patterns, as well as your strengths and weaknesses in relationships. By doing so, you’ll learn what relationships actually require, beyond the fairytale notions of romance. And by maintaining a steady but gentle focus on yourself, you’ll build the best possible foundation for making a loving connection. By understanding your past relationship experiences, cultivating a strong sense of self-awareness, and determining what it is you really want in a romantic partner—you’ll be ready to find the healthy, lasting love your heart desires. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Beyond Order Jordan B. Peterson, 2021-03-02 The companion volume to 12 Rules for Life offers further guidance on the perilous path of modern life. In 12 Rules for Life, clinical psychologist and celebrated professor at Harvard and the University of Toronto Dr. Jordan B. Peterson helped millions of readers impose order on the chaos of their lives. Now, in this bold sequel, Peterson delivers twelve more lifesaving principles for resisting the exhausting toll that our desire to order the world inevitably takes. In a time when the human will increasingly imposes itself over every sphere of life—from our social structures to our emotional states—Peterson warns that too much security is dangerous. What’s more, he offers strategies for overcoming the cultural, scientific, and psychological forces causing us to tend toward tyranny, and teaches us how to rely instead on our instinct to find meaning and purpose, even—and especially—when we find ourselves powerless. While chaos, in excess, threatens us with instability and anxiety, unchecked order can petrify us into submission. Beyond Order provides a call to balance these two fundamental principles of reality itself, and guides us along the straight and narrow path that divides them. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: A 100 Day Guide to Intimacy Douglas Weiss, 2003-01-14 Dr. Douglas Weiss offers a 100-day practical plan that will energize your relationship and create a spiritual, emotional and physical closeness that you have hungered for in your marriage. You'll identify destructive emotional roadblocks that keep you from experiencing exciting and satisfying intimate moments with your spouse. Develop a marathon mentality for your relationship, and take the next 100 days to fall in love all over again. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Mating in Captivity Esther Perel, 2012-02-16 When you love someone, how does it feel? And when you desire someone, how is it different? In Mating in Captivity, Esther Perel looks at the story of sex in committed couples. Modern romance promises it all - a lifetime of togetherness, intimacy and erotic desire. In reality, it's hard to want what you already have. Our quest for secure love conflicts with our pursuit of passion. And often, the very thing that got us to into our relationships - lust - is the one thing that goes missing from them. Determined to reconcile the erotic and the domestic, Perel explains why democracy is a passion killer in the bedroom. Argues for playfulness, distance, and uncertainty. And shows what it takes to bring lust home. Smart, sexy and explosively original, Mating in Captivity is the monogamist's essential bedside read. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Resurrecting Sex David Schnarch, James Maddock, 2003-08-05 In this remarkable new book, Dr. David Schnarch, world-renowned sex and marital therapist and author of Passionate Marriage, offers a groundbreaking approach to resolving sexual difficulties and the relationship problems they cause. By showing couples how they can turn their worst sex and relationship disasters into personal growth and spiritual connection, Dr. Schnarch offers couples the best sex of their lives. In addition to taking an unflinchingly honest, realistic, and erotic approach to sex, Dr. Schnarch reveals the complicated emotional interactions hidden within couples' most private moments. Resurrecting Sex speaks of compassion, partnership, generosity, and integrity in adult sexual relationships, offering hope to millions of people -- golden-anniversary marriages, newly formed couples, and singles alike -- who are struggling with sexual difficulties. Uplifting, provocative, and heartfelt, the book is organized into four sections: A crash course in sex Explanation of how sexual relationships really work Medical options and bionic solutions Vignettes of couples changing their sexual relationships Resurrecting Sex addresses all major sexual issues, including male erection problems such as rapid orgasm and delayed orgasm; women's problems with arousal and lubrication, difficulty reaching orgasm, and low desire; full coverage of Viagra (for both men and women); and other sex-enhancing drugs and medical options. Rather than dwelling on sexual techniques, this sympathetic book shows how to cure the rejection, hostility, and emotional alienation that often accompany sexual problems. Its unique method helps couples develop the love, affection, and commitment that prevent divorce and strengthen families. Generous of spirit, enlightened, and insightful, Resurrecting Sex is destined to make the world a better place to fall in love. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Love, Sex and Intimacy Nitya Lacroix, 1995-09 |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Divorce Busting Michele Weiner-Davis, 1992 A marriage counseling guide teaches readers how to target their present marital problems and set attainable goals for the future with strategies that help break destructive behavior patterns |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Tantric Sex and Menopause Diana Richardson, Janet McGeever, 2018-04-10 A tantric guide to discovering the hidden gifts of menopause • Explains why Tantra works for menopausal women and how their bodies are naturally entering a more tantric phase focused on creative, spiritual energy • Details tantric practices and tools to connect with the body’s inner intuitive wisdom, remove the “performance pressure” of conventional sex, and set the stage for passion and pleasure to thrive both in the bedroom and beyond • Explores what to expect physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and in relationships As women, we live so closely to the body--through menstruation, pregnancy, birthing, motherhood, and then menopause. Each of these transitions changes a woman in a multitude of ways, most of which are celebrated. Yet menopause often causes women to feel despondent, as if our bodies are broken or deficient, especially when it comes to sex and intimacy. However, as tantric teachers Diana Richardson and Janet McGeever show, menopause has many hidden gifts to offer if we learn to embrace rather than suppress the changes this natural transition brings. Shining the light of tantric intelligence on menopause, the authors reveal how to explore and experience menopause in a radically positive fashion, suffused with a sense of vital awakening and “re-wilding” of a woman’s sexuality, creativity, and spirituality. Explaining what to expect physically, emotionally, and spiritually, as well as what it means for relationships, they detail tantric practices and tools to connect with the body’s inner intuitive wisdom and heart energies, remove the “performance pressure” of conventional sex, and set the stage for passion and pleasure to thrive both in the bedroom and beyond. They explain why Tantra works for menopausal women and how their bodies are naturally entering a more tantric phase focused on creative, spiritual energy. They explore how, in Tantra, sex is practiced not for the sake of sex itself but as an instrument for going “beyond” sex, for better health, improved relationships, enhanced self-control and emotional balance, and even higher states of consciousness. They also offer many self-help practices, exercises, and meditations to reinforce a positive attitude toward menopause and overcome many of the physical and sexual problems, such as pain, dryness, loss of interest, and loss of libido. Providing a guide for women who are approaching, experiencing, or have gone through menopause, the authors show how a more informed, tantric approach to menopause allows each woman to deepen her trust in the perfect functioning of the female body, embrace her natural sexual response, and reconnect with her inner self. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: The Intimate Hour Susan Baur, 1997 Therapist. In fact, as she shows, feelings of love and attraction do not disappear simply because they are forbidden. Describing the famous and infamous liaisons of such figures as Carl Jung, Anton Mesmer, Otto Rank, and others, Baur offers irrefutable evidence that intimacy has played a part in therapy since the beginning and continues to barge in despite regulations to suppress it. With a plea for common sense and open-minded discussion, she makes a powerful argument. |
| sex and love in intimate relationships: Love Worth Making Stephen Snyder, M.D., 2018-02-13 Can sex survive monogamy? Yes, once you understand how sexual emotions really work. This acclaimed, paradigm-shifting guide turns traditional sex therapy inside-out to reveal the hidden rules for great sex. Gentle, compassionate, and filled with compelling stories from Dr. Stephen Snyder’s thirty years as a sex therapist working with over 1,500 individuals and couples, Love Worth Making is essential reading for anyone hoping to keep sexual inspiration alive in a committed relationship. |
Sexual health - World Health Organization (WHO)
May 28, 2025 · access to comprehensive, good-quality information about sex and sexuality; knowledge about the risks they may face and their vulnerability to adverse consequences of …
Sexual and reproductive health and rights - World Health …
May 13, 2025 · The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of …
Can you have sex while taking metronidazole? - Drugs.com
Apr 29, 2025 · Abstaining from sex during treatment gives the vaginal flora time to return to normal. If you are taking metronidazole for other reasons, such as for an abdominal, bone, …
K Y Jelly Lubricant: Uses, Application, Side Effects - Drugs.com
May 21, 2025 · KY jelly is a water-based, personal lubricant that is usually used for sexual intercourse or masturbation. Unlike petroleum or oil-based lubricants, it does not react with …
Sildenafil: Usage, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com
Dec 10, 2024 · Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Includes sildenafil side effects, interactions and indications.
Sildenafil Patient Tips: 7 things you should know - Drugs.com
Jul 25, 2023 · Sildenafil (Viagra brand) increases blood flow to the penis following sexual stimulation. It does this by blocking the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of cGMP. …
How long should I wait to have sex after using Premarin Vaginal …
Mar 23, 2015 · It is recommended that you avoid exposing your sexual partner to vaginal estrogen cream by not having sex right after application. Your partner may absorb estrogen through his …
Gender and health - World Health Organization (WHO)
May 6, 2025 · Gender and sex are related to but different from gender identity. Gender identity refers to a person’s deeply felt, internal and individual experience of gender, which may or …
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - World Health Organization …
May 29, 2025 · Some populations with the highest rates of STIs – such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, prison inmates, mobile populations and …
Why does Cialis take at least 12-14 hours to work? - Drugs.com
Nov 13, 2024 · Eroxon is a topical gel that may be applied to the head of the penis immediately before sexual intercourse. Studies show that 65% of men who used it achieved an erection …
Sexual health - World Health Organization (WHO)
May 28, 2025 · access to comprehensive, good-quality information about sex and sexuality; knowledge about the risks they may face and their vulnerability to adverse consequences of …
Sexual and reproductive health and rights - World Health …
May 13, 2025 · The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of …
Can you have sex while taking metronidazole? - Drugs.com
Apr 29, 2025 · Abstaining from sex during treatment gives the vaginal flora time to return to normal. If you are taking metronidazole for other reasons, such as for an abdominal, bone, …
K Y Jelly Lubricant: Uses, Application, Side Effects - Drugs.com
May 21, 2025 · KY jelly is a water-based, personal lubricant that is usually used for sexual intercourse or masturbation. Unlike petroleum or oil-based lubricants, it does not react with …
Sildenafil: Usage, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com
Dec 10, 2024 · Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Includes sildenafil side effects, interactions and indications.
Sildenafil Patient Tips: 7 things you should know - Drugs.com
Jul 25, 2023 · Sildenafil (Viagra brand) increases blood flow to the penis following sexual stimulation. It does this by blocking the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of cGMP. …
How long should I wait to have sex after using Premarin Vaginal …
Mar 23, 2015 · It is recommended that you avoid exposing your sexual partner to vaginal estrogen cream by not having sex right after application. Your partner may absorb estrogen through his …
Gender and health - World Health Organization (WHO)
May 6, 2025 · Gender and sex are related to but different from gender identity. Gender identity refers to a person’s deeply felt, internal and individual experience of gender, which may or …
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - World Health Organization …
May 29, 2025 · Some populations with the highest rates of STIs – such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, prison inmates, mobile populations and …
Why does Cialis take at least 12-14 hours to work? - Drugs.com
Nov 13, 2024 · Eroxon is a topical gel that may be applied to the head of the penis immediately before sexual intercourse. Studies show that 65% of men who used it achieved an erection …
